Calls for review of young offender management

A decision to continue detaining juveniles at an adult jail has prompted further calls to review how young offenders in Western Australia are managed.

About 150 boys are being detained at Hakea Prison after the Banksia Hill juvenile detention facility was damaged in riots in January.

On Friday Western Australia's Chief Justice Wayne Martin dismissed a challenge to the move by relatives of one of the juveniles, saying decisions were made with the best interests of the young offenders in mind.

The decision means the detainees will remain at Hakea until repairs to the Banksia Hill facility are complete.

The Children's Commissioner, Michelle Scott says she has advocated for some time for young offenders to be given a higher priority in the system.

Ms Scott says the reforms are crucial to get better outcomes.

"The question we have to ask is what can we do differently here in Western Australia, and that's what I'm interested in, that's effective for the young person, their family but also reduces crime in the community," she said.

Ms Scott says it costs taxpayers about $600 a night to house each juvenile.

She says getting better outcomes for young offenders will require a cross government approach and WA can look to successful models in other states.

"I think we can do it. I think we have an example in New South Wales with Youth on Track where they are doing it," Ms Scott said.

"I think the agencies here can work more effectively together, the Department for Child Protection, Corrective Services, and the police."